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Twitter goes berserk over England lineup ahead of Euro 2020 Croatia clash

By Max Cooper

Perplexed reactions
Perplexed reactions / Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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Team news is in! We now know England's starting lineup that will face Croatia at Wembley stadium, and let's just say, it's raised some question marks on the Twittersphere.

Gareth Southgate named his 23-man matchday squad for Sunday's big game, leaving out three stars from his plans. The first, understandably, was Harry Maguire, who is still recovering from injury.

Ben Chilwell was the second casualty, although he was late back into the setup after Chelsea's Champions League final success over Manchester City only a couple of weeks ago. Fellow left-back Luke Shaw was named on the bench, meaning right-back Kieran Trippier would start the game on the left of the defence.

The other major absentee was forward Jadon Sancho, who has been on fire for Borussia Dortmund this season.

Somehow, some Manchester United fans instantly put two and two together and got 17 over Sancho's absence from the list.

Kyle Walker won the battle of the right-backs, while the midfield of Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips and Mason Mount caused few ripples on social media. However, the forward line was the biggest drama.

New cult hero Jack Grealish was left on the bench following his two superb displays in the pre-tournament warm up friendlies, while the very much out of form Raheem Sterling was selected in his place.

It's safe to say, not everyone was impressed. Even former striker Jay Bothroyd *checks notes* STILL PLAYING AT THE AGE OF 37 striker Jay Bothroyd was having none of it.

He actually got one England cap, by the way. Strange times. The jury was out for this team selection, however. New kid on the block Ben White was in white hot demand, while Tyrone Mings' inclusion worried some of you.

Of course, there was one bit of good news from all this.

A promising omen, perhaps?

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